A Comparative Study of Cardiopulmonary Bypass with Nonblood and Blood Prime

A prospective study of cardiopulmonary bypass in adult cardiac surgical patients undergoing similar types of operations compared 50 consecutive perfusions utilizing a clear, balanced, electrolyte-protein prime with 50 consecutive perfusions utilizing a solution containing 1,000 ml. of blood. Significant findings were: The oxygenation and perfusion capabilities during bypass were similar and satisfactory in both groups. The postoperative coagulation studies were essentially the same. The postoperative plasma hemoglobin was 83 mg. per 100 ml. with nonblood prime and 138 mg. per 100 ml. with blood prime; and 12 hour postoperative blood loss was 353 ml. with nonblood prime and 455 ml. with blood prime—22% less in the nonblood prime group. Total blood requirements during hospitalization averaged 1,500 ml. in the nonblood prime group and 3,500 ml. in the blood prime group. The use of nonblood prime and autotransfusions reduces postoperative blood loss, demands on blood bank facilities, risk of serum hepatitis, transfusion reactions, and coagulation abnormalities.